Darren Jarvis reckons as many as eight sides can win the ChromaSport UCL Premier Division title ahead of the big kick-off on Saturday.
The Holbeach United supremo, who admits his side will be “a failure” if they don’t challenge for honours this season, feels the situation is great for local football.
It’s not the toughest start for Jarvis, who takes his Tigers to Desborough Town on Saturday (3pm) before welcoming Lincolnshire rivals Sleaford Town to Carter’s Park on Wednesday (7.45pm).
Many will expect new-look Holbeach to make a statement and bag six points from two favourable early fixtures – and the ex-Peterborough Northern Star chief feels he has the quality at his disposal to deliver the goods.
But Jarvis does concede that he and number two Tom Roberts are still a few players short of completing their squad.
“Like everyone else, I’m very much looking forward to getting stated,” said the Tigers boss. “Pre-season has been a bit of a mixed bag, but we’ve done well against step four sides.
“You have to be realistic about our start, Desborough and Sleaford are games you’d hope to win.
“But I know Desborough will be very well-drilled on Saturday. It’s never an easy place to go at any time of the season.
“We’ll not take any team lightly this season, especially not at this early stage.
“I’m happy and satisfied with our squad. But we’re still hoping to add one or two players if we can.
“We’re keen to take our time and make sure we bring in the right players. This is no time to panic and bring in the wrong player or over-pay somebody that doesn’t fit in.”
Although Desborough and Sleaford won’t be among those tipped for the title, Jarvis does consider Wisbech Town, Yaxley and Kempston Rovers to be Holbeach’s chief rivals.
He’s also expecting Newport Pagnell Town, Cogenhoe United and Deeping Rangers to be strong, while he feels Leicester Nirvana (formerly Thurnby) are also set to challenge.
With no stand-out favourites akin to last year’s champions AFC Rushden and Diamonds or Spalding United before them, Jarvis wouldn’t like to predict the eventual winners.
“I do think up to eight teams could win it this year,” added Jarvis. “I’d be disappointed if we weren’t in the mix, for sure.
“If we don’t produce some kind of challenge, I think myself and this group of players will have failed.
“It’s going to be a very competitive league, though. I look at Wisbech, Yaxley and Kempston as big rivals, while Pagnell, Deeping, Cogenhoe and Leicester Nirvana will be strong.
“It’s great news for the UCL and great news for fans of local football.”
Holbeach may be lacking firepower in their opener on Saturday, with player/coach Andrew Tidswell (unavailable) and hitman Tommy Treacher (ankle injury) both missing.
Assistant boss Roberts is expected to play in goal in the absence of number one Ricky Drury, too.
But new signings Jamie Stevens, Josh Ford, Chris Ward and Jonny Clay will be amongst a host of exciting fresh faces for the Carter’s Park faithful to watch.
There’s still a chance that exciting winger Louis Hamilton could be involved, too. Jarvis remains very keen on signing the ex-Stamford ace, but a number of step four clubs are vying for his signature.
- Yaxley registered the first win of the new UCL Premier Division season last Friday night.
They won 3-1 at Harborough Town as part of the latest Groundhop weekend initiative.
